Songs
Name the classic Christmas song that begins with the lyrics, "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire."
"The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)"
In the movie "Home Alone," what city is the McCallister family flying to for their holiday vacation?
Paris
On which date is Christmas Day celebrated in most countries?
December 25th
What small decorative object is often hung on a Christmas tree and sometimes used to top the tree?
An ornament or a tree topper (star or angel)
What sweet, often striped, cane-shaped candy is commonly associated with Christmas and used as a tree ornament or stocking stuffer?
Candy cane
Which popular carol asks, "Fa la la la la, la la la la," and comes from the 16th century English tradition of wassailing?
"Deck the Halls"
Name the 1946 film often shown at Christmas that follows George Bailey and asks the audience to consider what the town of Bedford Falls would be like without him.
"It's a Wonderful Life"
What plant with red and green leaves is traditionally used as a Christmas decoration and is associated with a Mexican legend?
Poinsettia
In many Western cultures, families exchange gifts. On which evening do many families in some European countries (like Germany) traditionally place gifts under the tree — Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?
Christmas Eve
Name the spiced cake or cookie that is commonly cut into shapes like people and often decorated with icing at Christmastime.
Gingerbread (cookies or cake)
Which contemporary artist released a widely known holiday album titled "Merry Christmas" in 1994 that included the hit "All I Want for Christmas Is You"?
Mariah Carey
Which animated 1966 TV special features a character named Charlie Brown and the line "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"
"A Charlie Brown Christmas"
Many countries celebrate December 6th as the feast day of which gift-bringing saint, whose legends influenced our modern Santa Claus?
Saint Nicholas
Describe the tradition of "wassailing" and what participants historically did.
Wassailing traditionally involved singing and offering a drink from wassail bowl to neighbors or orchards to ensure a good harvest; it included caroling and blessing houses or trees.
What warm beverage made from milk, sugar, beaten eggs, and spices is often served during the holidays?
Eggnog
Identify the Christmas song whose chorus includes the line "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow" and was written in 1945 by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne.
"Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" (written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne)
In "The Polar Express," what is the main magical destination the children travel to on the train?
The North Pole
Which country is credited with starting the modern tradition of putting up a decorated Christmas tree in public squares and homes (popularized in the 19th century)?
Germany (popularized by Prince Albert/Queen Victoria era in Britain, but origins in Germanic regions)
Explain the Advent calendar tradition and its purpose in the weeks before Christmas.
An Advent calendar counts down the days of Advent (usually December 1–24 or Dec 1–25) with daily doors/windows revealing a small treat, scripture, or image, helping families prepare for Christmas.
Identify a traditional British Christmas dessert made with dried fruit, suet or butter, and often set alight with brandy before serving.
Christmas pudding (or plum pudding)
Name the Christmas song originally written in German in the 19th century as "Stille Nacht" and later translated into English; include both the original German title and the common English title.
German: "Stille Nacht"; English: "Silent Night"
Identify the holiday film in which a character named Kris Kringle demonstrates he is the real Santa by explaining the meaning of a particular department store incident and later stands for truth in a court of law.
"Miracle on 34th Street"
Explain the origin of the word "Noel" and what language it comes from.
"Noel" comes from the Old French word "noël," from Latin "natalis," meaning "birth."
Compare two winter holiday traditions from different countries (for example, Sweden's St. Lucia Day procession vs. Mexico's Las Posadas) and describe their main features and meanings.
Example comparison: Sweden — St. Lucia Day features a procession with a girl wearing a candle crown representing light in winter; Mexico — Las Posadas reenacts Mary and Joseph's search for lodging with nightly processions, prayers, and parties.
Describe how to make a simple homemade holiday cookie (briefly list main ingredients and one key step in preparation) appropriate for a classroom activity.
Simple sugar cookie: main ingredients — flour, sugar, butter, egg, baking powder, vanilla. Key step — cream butter and sugar together before adding dry ingredients, roll and cut dough into shapes, then bake at moderate temperature until just set.